MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH COUNCIL
FAST TRACK SCHEME FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS

The Department of Science and Technology, through Fast Track Scheme for Young Scientists, provides
quick research funding to young scientists below the age of 35 years (relaxable by 5 years in the case of
SC/ST/OBC, woman and physically handicapped category) to undertake independent research in newly
emerging and frontier areas of science and engineering. The details of the scheme are as follows:-

• OBJECTIVES

1. To provide quick research support to young scientists for pursuing exciting and innovative
research ideas.
2. To provide opportunities for interaction and exchange of ideas with scientific community.
3. To involve young scientists in national S&T development process.

• ELIGIBILITY

1. The applicant should possess any of the following degrees:-

(a) Ph.D in Basic Science (Life Science, Physical Science, Chemical Science, Earth &
Atmospheric Science, Mathematical Science), Engineering/Technology,
Medicine/Surgery, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Science or
equivalent.
(b) Masters degree in Engineering/Technology, Medicine/Surgery, Pharmacy,
Veterinary, Agriculture or equivalent.

2. The candidate should be less than 35 years on the date on which the application is
received in DST. However age relaxation of 5 years would be given to scientists
belonging to SC/ST/OBC, Women and Physically Handicapped category.

• FUNDING

1. The funding is provided up to a maximum of Rs.17.00 lakhs (excluding overhead

charges) for a period not exceeding three years. If the proposed objectives can be
achieved in less than three years, the budget may be reduced accordingly.
2. Funds are provided for equipments, consumables, travel and contingency. Additionally,
the applicant if not holding a regular position or not drawing any other
fellowship/stipend/salary, can draw a fellowship amount of Rs.20,000/- per month (all
inclusive). The fellowship amount is taxable. In cases, where the applicant is holding a
regular position, he/she can seek a manpower at junior level (JRF, Project Assistant, etc.)
3. “Overhead Charges” @ 20% of the project cost will be provided to the implementing
institution over and above the project cost.

General Guidelines for Submission

1. The applicant should fulfill the eligibility criteria (education & age) as given under ‘Eligibility’.
2. The funding is upto a maximum of Rs.17.00 lakhs (excluding overheads) for a period not
exceeding three years.
3. All care must be taken to write a good scientific proposal. The proposal should contain significant
novelty and should lead to enrichment of scientific knowledge in the field. Routine extension of
 Ph.D or any other work will be discouraged. The candidates who are unemployed and drawing
fellowship from the project are encouraged to choose the place of work different from the place
where they have completed their Ph.D or other degree obtained in the immediate past.
4. Projects which involve Recombinant DNA work should be examined and certified by Institutional
Biosafety Committee.
5. Projects, which are clinically oriented or projects, which involve experiments with human and/or
animal material, should be examined and certified by Institutional Ethics Committee.
6. All the required information should be given in the text of the proposal itself and not as
annexures.
7. Incomplete application and application lacking scientific/technical details will not be considered.
8. At the time of submission of proposals, it is not necessary to get it forwarded by any Institute/
Laboratory.
9. Ten (10) copies of the proposal, in the format given below, neatly typed on A-4 size paper,
should be submitted to DST at any time during the year to the following address:

Head, SERC
Department of Science & Technology
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi-110016
Telefax: 011-26963695
Email: bghari@nic.in
Website: www.serc-dst.org

The envelope containing the proposal should be superscribed with “Fast Track Proposals for
Young Scientists - (mention broad subject area).”

10. For further information, the candidates are advised to contact the officers dealing with the
programme.
Subject Area Name Email Address Telephone

Physical Science Dr. R Brakaspathy rbpathy@nic.in 26590270

& Scientist G
Mathematical Science Shri Praveen Kumar S praveen@nic.in 26590353
Scientist C

Life Science Shri Rambir Singh rambir@yahoo.com 26590332

Scientist F
Shri Sunit Minz sunit@nic.in 26590330
Junior Analyst

Chemical Science Dr. R. Brakaspathy rbpathy@nic.in 26522815

Scientist G
Shri R.K. Joshi rkjoshi@nic.in 26590348
Scientist C

Earth and Atmospheric Dr. R. Brakaspathy rbpathy@nic.in 26590270

Science Scientist G
Dr. Umesh Kumar Sharma uk.sharma@nic.in 26590680
Scientist C

Engineering Science Shri S.Sudershan Rao ssrao@nic.in 26590245

Scientist D
 Application Format

1. Broad subject area (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric
Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering Sciences):

2. Specialization :

3. Title of the proposed project:

4. Name and address of the Investigator:

(including Tel.No., Fax, Email, etc.)

5. Details of the proposed project to be undertaken:

• Origin of proposal
• Research work engaged in at present
• Objectives of the proposed project
• Review of R&D in the proposed area (National & International Status, Importance, patents
etc.)
• Work plan (including detailed methodology and time schedule)
• Future plans
• Details of the research funding received in the past and/ongoing projects (mention Ref. no.,
title, duration, cost, funding agency, and brief achievements).

6. Name and address of the institution where the proposal will be/likely to be executed:

7. Facilities provided/to be made available at the host institute:

8. Name(s) and address(es) of Indian expert(s) in the proposed area:

9. Details of financial requirements for three years (with justifications) and phasing for each year:
st nd rd
Head 1 year 2 year 3 year Total
S.No.
1. Fellowship @Rs.20,000/-p.m.*
2. Manpower**
3. Consumables
4. Travel (within India)
5. Contingency
6. Equipment (Generic Name with minimum
required accessories, make & model &
Cost in Indian Rupees)
7. Overhead Costs (@20% of project cost)

* applicable to scientist having no regular employment and are not drawing any fellowship during the
project tenure
** applicable for researcher holding regular position.

10. Have you ever applied before under this Scheme or Women Scientist Scheme? If yes, give
details (Name of the scheme, Title, subject area, reference number, if any, year and the
decision).
11. Any other information in support of the proposed project:
12. Statement from the Present Employer as per Annexure-I (In respect of person holding regular
position).
 Detailed Biodata

1. Name of the Applicant:

2. Mailing Address (Indicate Telephone, Fax, E-mail, etc.)

3. Date of Birth:

4. Educational Qualifications (Starting from Graduation onwards):

S.No. Degree University Year Subjects Percentage

5. A. Details of professional training and research experience, specifying

period.

B. Details of employment (past & present).

C. List of publications during last five years (with complete details such as Journal
name, all the author’s name as appeared in the journal, volume number, page
number and the year of publication).

6. Professional recognition, awards, fellowships received:

7. Any other information.

Place & date: Signature of the applicant

 Annexure-I
(Statement from Employer, if employed)

This is to certify that:

I. Dr. ___________________, the Principal Investigator in the project

entitled……………………will assume full responsibility for implementing the project.
II. The date of appointment starts from the date on which the University/Institute
receives the bank draft/cheque from the Department of Science & Technology.
III. The Investigator will be governed by the rules and regulations of the University/
Institute and will be under administrative control of the University/ Institute for the
duration of the project.
IV. The grant-in-aid by the Department of Science & Technology will be used to meet
the expenditure on the project and for the period for which the project has been
sanctioned as indicated in the sanction letter/ order.
V. No administrative or other liability will be attached to the Department of Science &
Technology at the end of the project.
VI. The University/ Institute will provide basic infrastructure and other required facilities
to the investigator for undertaking the research project.
VII. The University/ Institute will take into its books all assets received under this sanction
and its disposal would be at the discretion of Department of Science & Technology.
VIII. Institute assumes to undertake the financial and other management responsibilities
of the project.

Seal of University/Institute Signature

Registrar of University/Head of Institute